Best/Worst Distance Learning Vet Tech Schools?

I am starting to realize how much I dislike my job and I need a change. I would like to get a vet career diploma or vet tech certification. I am not really sure what the difference is if any. I work full time and get called in to work to do lots of overtime so I cant attend classes but I am trying to find a good completely online school. Can anyone help me with the best online schools and courses to try.

I currently am aaaalmost through my 1st semester at Penn Foster. I definitely am going to go through with the program, only because the credits are non-transferable, so although I could take a bunch of the placement/proficiency tests, it would still be more money if I wanted to go else where. I don't have too many complaints about the program, it is definitely very thorough. My main complaint lies with a) the requirement that during your second semester practicum, you take film radiographs. 80% of vets or more have switched to digital. This is required by the AVMA (I sent them a very long email about it), and so Penn Foster can't do anything about it---but I was told that some people actually have to go to separate states to fufill this requirement. However, since it is AVMA required, this will be a problem at Penn Foster, San Juan, and St. Pete College as well. My second complaint is that I only have 12 weeks to complete the 225 hour practicum--that assumes I am working at a vets office already and therefore I don't have to leave another job in order to get this practicum done, which is not the case. You are not allowed extensions on the practicums, either.

Other than that, I think it is a very good program; new, its only been licensed since 2006, but that doesn't bother me (although, for having relatively recent accreditation, some information seems.....old?). I like their payment plans (I pay $49/month, and had a down payment of $29), and the TEACHERS (not Dr. Margi---there has been a 'liason' introduced between the students and Dr. Margi, since there are so many complaints about her here) are all very nice and well-educated. One of them even graduated from the program. I would probably give it a 6.5-7 out of 10.

Sapphire217 in Phoenix, Arizona said: I am starting to realize how much I dislike my job and I need a change. I would like to get a vet career diploma or vet tech certification. I am not really sure what the difference is if any. I work full time and get called in to work to do lots of overtime so I cant attend classes but I am trying to find a good completely online school. Can anyone help me with the best online schools and courses to try.

Sapphire, there are several online vet tech programs, some of which are even approved by the AVMA. If you read this entire forum, you will get many opinions about different programs. Check out the AVMA site and the sites of the school programs to decide for yourself. The best part of online is that you can, mostly, fulfill the requirements when it is convenient to your schedule.

I attend San Juan and love it. But that's my experience. :-)

I'm in the same situation at Janna in Minneapolis, who posted about six months ago. I have some debt from Saint Paul College after doing an Associate in Arts degree for the last two years and am about to graduate this fall. I want to do a vet tech program now, but MSB is way too expensive (I met with them yesterday for five hours) and Rochester is 90 minutes away and is barely an option due to many reasons.

After spending the last few hours looking into schools, I think I'm going to apply at San Juan. One question I have right now, that I have seen conflicting answers on, is if you get FAFSA Stafford Loans/Federal Pell Grants while attending this school.

Thank you,
Rob

Rob in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: I'm in the same situation at Janna in Minneapolis, who posted about six months ago. I have some debt from Saint Paul College after doing an Associate in Arts degree for the last two years and am about to graduate this fall. I want to do a vet tech program now, but MSB is way too expensive (I met with them yesterday for five hours) and Rochester is 90 minutes away and is barely an option due to many reasons.

After spending the last few hours looking into schools, I think I'm going to apply at San Juan. One question I have right now, that I have seen conflicting answers on, is if you get FAFSA Stafford Loans/Federal Pell Grants while attending this school.

Thank you,
Rob

ROB:
I am one semester away from graduating from the Vet Tech program at San Juan. For the past 4 semesters, I have received Federal Pell Grants! I'm sure you could also get Loans, but with my income- I automatically got grants

I just became eligible for Pell grants this fall due to turning 24 and finally having an income (now that it only counts my income) that falls under their requirements. Your post was very good news to me and I think I have a good chance of getting them too. Have you been happy with San Juan?

Rob in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: I just became eligible for Pell grants this fall due to turning 24 and finally having an income (now that it only counts my income) that falls under their requirements. Your post was very good news to me and I think I have a good chance of getting them too. Have you been happy with San Juan?

I LOVE San Juan. I have ZERO complaints at all about the program. The staff are absolutely wonderful and I have learned so much. If you have a facebook, you should join the San Juan College Vet Tech group. A lot of current and alumni graduates of the program are on there including me, and there are examples of the video portfolios required in upper courses, questions, and discussions. It is great tool if you have a bunch of questions about the program to get feedback from a bunch of students!
If you have any questions, let me know or join the facebook group and ask away!

I tried looking for that before when it was mentioned in this thread a long time ago (I started reading this thread earlier tonight from two years back and read my way all the way up to the end). Could you post the URL for the group?

I just tried posting it in the previous message but this system thought it was a phone number and wouldn't let me post it. it's at facebook.com/groups/ (and then type in the numbers two zero four six four nine zero six three five nine) lol sorry that's the only way it will let me put numbers in my post! let me know if you find it! otherwise look me up and i'll add you www.facebook.com/jenn7723

lol thanks, that worked. It's a closed group though so maybe it'll be better if you add me. Thanks for going through this hassle for me.

lol no problem! just shoot me a friend request, i'll add you and then manually add you the group!

I'll be starting the vet tech program in January at San Juan College. I am super excited and can't wait. I'd like to join the vet tech program in facebook as well if I can...

Ashlee said: I'll be starting the vet tech program in January at San Juan College. I am super excited and can't wait. I'd like to join the vet tech program in facebook as well if I can...

The group that is closed...

Ashlee, look me up on facebook at:

facebook.com/hlv-117

I'll invite you.

Rob in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: Ashlee, look me up on facebook at:

facebook.com/hlv-117

I'll invite you.

Thanks! I appreciate it! :)

In all honesty, if faced between the decision of attending Penn Foster and San Juan College for vet tech, which would you choose?
I would love if as many people as possible would respond to this post so I can get an idea of what the schools are like from people that have been there! :)

Brenna in Virginia Beach, Virginia said: In all honesty, if faced between the decision of attending Penn Foster and San Juan College for vet tech, which would you choose?
I would love if as many people as possible would respond to this post so I can get an idea of what the schools are like from people that have been there! :)

I'm going to San Juan College for the first time starting this January. I've looked into Penn Foster and have read a lot of bad reviews on it. Ultimately it is your choice, but I decided to go to San Juan College because I have heard nothing but wonderful comments. Plus I get a federal pell grant through San Juan College vs. Penn Foster that I don't even think offers financial aid. Another thing I've heard that Dr. Margi is kind of mean and doesn't really help her students.

jenn7723 in Mount Holly, North Carolina said: lol no problem! just shoot me a friend request, i'll add you and then manually add you the group!

Do you have to be already in the classes for vet tech at San Juan College in order to join the facebook group? I am starting school in January and I am very interested in the joining the facebook group. How do I go about that?

jenn,

did you find it difficult to get your hours at a local vet for the hands on portion?

SC-BP: I was already employed at a clinic before I started the program so I didn't have to worry about scrambling to find a place. I know of a few people that cannot move on in the program because the economy is bad and jobs are scarce. It is a pretty competitive field. I did have a job switch in the middle of my schooling and the clinic that I am at now knew of the hands on clinical work I was required to get done..and to be honest- without the great support staff, doctors and management, I couldn't have done it!

I always highly recommend ANYONE looking into this field to volunteer or just WATCH the day to day happenings of a veterinary clinic and responsibility of a technician. There seems to be a lot of people who thing this is easy...and they have another thing coming to them

jenn,

thanks for the speedy reply, i know its hard work, my wife is a RVT at a specialty and emergency clinic.

so yeah, my big concern is being able to get my hands on hours if i sign up for San Juan....?

are you almost done with the program?

any other tips or insight?

thx!

You do not HAVE to be employed at a place but it is recommended. You could always look for volunteer opportunities or internships. A specialty/ER is where I work and I have learned a LOT there than at any day practice. I used my doggies and kitties as guinea pigs and practiced on things. Maybe since your wife works there, she can pull some strings. You basically just have to have an RVT-other than family I assume or DVM sign off on your tasks and then in Tier 3, you make videos recording yourself doing tasks and submit those. For the Large Animal/Lab Animal portion, you have the option of flying out to Texas and doing the clinical work there. I would find a place to get your Off Campus Clinical Instruction site paperwork sent in ASAP.

I begin my last semester at San Juan in January- I am going to the Large Animal/ Exotics Lab in March and graduating in May and then take my board exams to get licensed. I have all of my Small Animal clinical work, checklists and video portfolios done already. I LOVE the program and the staff and have absolutely no complaints!!

Hi everybody! I have been a legal assistant for 13 years, but have always wanted to become a vet tech. I am currently researching on line schools to see which one is the best for me. I had previously decided to go with Penn Foster, but after reading a lot of these posts (extremely helpful btw), I am leaning more toward San Juan. My question is, since I do not currently work at a vet clinic (I work at a law firm full time), will either Penn Foster or San Juan give an extension on the amount of time given to do the practicums? I am thinking I will only be able to do approx. 8-10 hrs a week. My day job is extremely slow so I will have all the time in the world to study and do my exams, it's just the practicums that I am worried about and how I can get them done timely. I would really appreciate any help with this! Thank you!

Crissy, for San Juan's Tier 1 courses you are not required to work at a veterinary clinic or facility. But before you move into their Tier 2 courses you must have an approved facility--whether it's a private veterinarian or a state-credentialed vet tech (CVT/LVT/RVT)--where you are expected to spend about 10 hours per week. Students who are not already putting in time at a facility are delayed in finishing their program because of the Tier 2 facility requirement.

If you are truly interested in this field, get a part-time job now as a kennel attendant or another entry-level veterinary assistant, look into volunteer opportunities with an animal shelter that has a veterinarian, or ask your family and friends if their vet would be willing to take you on as a helper. If you have pets, ask your own vet if there is any room in the practice for you to help out in your "spare" time. Getting a real-time look into the day-to-day operations and tasks will help you decide if this is the path for you.

All career changes usually require that one start at the bottom of the totem pole to gain experience. If you're up to that challenge, good luck. The pet care industry needs passionate -and compassionate- people who are willing to commit to caring for our beloved companion animals.

I was happy to find this board. I am looking into getting my Vet Tech degree and Certification. An online school is the only way that this will be possible for me. I'm currently pregnant with my second child and my husband is working on finishing up his engineering degree. So as much as I want to, I can't go to a campus for this degree. I too looked into Penn Foster and thought it looked OK, but all the horrible things that I've read over and over again about them has made me change my mind. I am now leaning towards San Juan College. I feel bad enough about not being able to attend the actual vet tech school that is really close to me, so I don't want to waste my time and money on a bogus online program. I am wanting to get into the equine vet area since I have a lot of experience with horses and would feel comfortable working with them, plus there are a million stables in CO and a racetrack just a few minutes away from me.

I will say that from what I have read and heard from people about the job of Vet Tech on the whole, along with common sense, just be aware that it isn't all sunshine and roses. 99% of the time you are working with sick animals (people usually only bring in their pets when something is wrong) so I guess the point is, if you are in the field to work with the cuddly animals that you love, be prepared to see some depressing sights along with the joys.

As far as the chances of finding a job in the field once you graduate goes, I know a ton of Techs that all have jobs so I'm not really worried about the job market here in Colorado. I think that like anything else, it just depends on where you live and how hard you network in order to find a job. Good luck to you all!

P.S. Anyone had experience, or know anyone who was pregnant while taking the SJC vet tech program? I am trying to figure out if I could start now with my little one due at the end of April or not...I know that I wasn't going to be able to attend the tech school close to me while pregnant because of the things you are exposed to in your labs (i.e. poop). I am wondering if the online program is a little different?

Hi everyone! I have been researching on online schools for vet tech. I was already to send my stuff in to PF, but I came accross all the negitive comments. Now Im all confused on what college I should go thru. I was looking at SJC and kinda confused on how all the enrollment and tuition stuff works. If anyone can help an has any opions on what I should do? and if its to late to start enrolling?

Hi ash412! SJC i just like any other university. You have to apply and send your transcripts and register for classes and have an advisor and all that jazz. The next semester classes start January 16th for SJC. I think you have plenty of time to get everything all set up. Contact the program coordinator with your questions. Her name is Sherry Hair and she is absolutely WONDERFUL. At SJC, you will not find better staff and instructors to guide you along the way through your degree. I am a senior at SJC and will graduate with my Vet Tech degree this coming May. From what I have heard, I would never recommend a program like Penn Foster but you need to do your own research and make a decision. You can also find a wonderful group of students including myself through the San Juan College New Mexico Vet Tech facebook group. You can search it and ask to join. There is a lot of interaction and students there to talk with. But call Sherry and she will give you the rundown of what you need to do!

I applied to the online vet tech program at Purdue, but did not meet the chemistry credit requirement (I have a BBA in management and avoided the chem class since it wasn't required). I took the CLEP test and missed by a few points and would have to wait 6 months before they would let me retake it. So, now I'm wondering which online school I should consider and see that San Juan does not require a chem. class as a pre-req, which is good news, but I just wonder about credibility compared to having a degree from Purdue! Has anyone taken the program through Purdue? If so, what was/is your experience and how easy was it to find a job after graduating? Thanks!

Jenn,

how many clases did you take each semester? And how long has the entire program taken for you?

Also, how many hours do you find you study per class?

thanks in advance.

bp

Kotty in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Penn Foster is garbage. I almost completed a full semester of their Veterinary Technology program and they froze my account(wouldn't send further shipments) because even though I completed all tests and more than enough online class hours, I did not login to the forum enough.
When I asked the program director, Margi Sirois, for help, essentially begging her for guidance, she directed me to Student Service, who had already directed me to her in the first place.
That woman is so busy writing her books she does not care about her students.
Penn Foster does NOT do financial aid nor do they help their students with their practicums(clinic hours), several students are on the forums not being able to finish the course because no vet office will accept Penn Foster students.
The GOOD news is I enrolled in San Juan College this week(only about $8000) and only threw away about $1000 on Penn Foster.
tl;dr
Penn Foster is horrible for several reasons, San Juan is the best bet.

Do you have to pay your full payment for the whole program after you quit the school? I only was enrolled for a month and quit and now they are sending bills for me to pay the school for the whole entire Medical Transcription program and I also fear that it will be noted on the Higher Education and then I will be blocked to be able to attend any other college that has financial aid available. I must add that Penn Foster is a very bad school. I got my materials and I was taking the test and the school stated that I got alot of answers wrong. I knew that that was incorrect and I went back and looked up everything that I had answered because the school will tell you just what page the right answer is on and lo and behold I found out that I did not get the answer wrong. I tried to talk to someone at the school and there was noone to talk to about this very serious problem and they expected me not to be upset. They did not believe me.

SC_ I started the program in Summer 2010 and will graduate in May this year- so total of 6 semesters. I was a little overzealous with my class load at first. TOok 5 my first semester, 6 my second with my general ed's mixed in, all 7 Tier 2 classes, and then slowed down when I hit Tier 3 and had to start on my video portfolios at 4 classes each semester until I graduate. For each class I studied 1-2 hours a week depending on how much reading you have to do. There are weekly quizzes and usually 2 exams each course: a midterm and a final.

Has anyone heard anything about the vet assistance program from animal behavior college?(online program)

ABC's vet assistant course will not prepare you to be a veterinary technician. It is a basic assisting course and will change nothing about what you can legally do in a veterinary facility. It's also not overseen by any veterinary professional group, so I would look at other veterinary assisting programs if you are simply wanting to be a certified veterinary assistant. The Texas Veterinary Medical Assoc. offers a CVA program that can also be taken in other states through ACT.com or the North American Veterinary Technician Assoc. offers an online veterinary assisting program. www.navta.net Either would be better choices because they are written and overseen by veterinary professionals.

But if you are wanting to be a vet tech, you need to be looking at AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree programs: www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp

Hi, again everybody. I have another question? Should I apply for FAFSA now or after I get registered in SJC and after I pick my classes? Have any ideas? This is my first time doing any of this stuff, so your help is really appreciated. Thank you!

In Response to ash412: "Hi, again everybody. I have another question? Should I apply for FAFSA now or after I get registered in SJC and after I pick my classes? Have any ideas? This is my first time doing any of this stuff, so your help is really appreciated. Thank you!"

Apply for your FAFSA ASAP. Get the school code from SJC or any others that you would like your financial information sent to and enter it on the page that asks for them. Also, if you haven't filed taxes yet this year, use last year's info until you do and then update your FAFSA once you've filed your tax return. You may have to pay upfront at time of registration at this late of date for a January start date. Then, you would get reimbursed from financial aid, but it might take a while. Hope this helps!

I'm in Arizona as well, I'm curious if you have any updated thoughts about your experience with San Juan College's online program? What kind of support did you receive, did you feel well prepared with the online-only course... etc? Any information would be great!

Thank you in advance!

Question about San Juan College. Do they accept FAFSA? What is their overall tuition and what does it cost?

Also, from anyone who has experience at SJC, is there any issues if you have to move during the program?

I am very interested in becoming a vet tech! I just don't want to choose the wrong school. I was going to apply to Penn Foster, but am now hearing negative things about them. Do you currently attend San Juan College online? If so how do you like it? How is their payment plan? Will it be accredited in Ca?

Yes, a degree from San Juan College is acceptable for credentialing in California (and all other states where technicians are credentialed).

It's unlikely that you are going to find many vet tech students on this forum as they tend to frequent veterinary technicians speciality forums, but you may find a few students on here to answer your question.

As someone who moderates on veterinary technician professional forums and who interacts with many veterinary technician students as the president of my state veterinary technician association, I can tell you that I haven't heard anyone complain about San Juan College and have heard lots of praise for the program from students.

Do any of you know someone that did the Vet tech course online overseas in South-Africa or Namibia of Purdue and San Juan

TrishaF in Honolulu, Hawaii said: Question about San Juan College. Do they accept FAFSA? What is their overall tuition and what does it cost?

Also, from anyone who has experience at SJC, is there any issues if you have to move during the program?

Trish,

SJC has a Financial Aid office, and the school will accept FAFSA funds. The tuition is currently (SP12 semester) $105/credit hour plus a $10/credit hour minimum general fee, which comes to $115/credit hour. Most classes are 2 or 3 credit hours, and there is a minimum of 6 credit hours if you receive financial aid loans.

Since the courses are accessed online and students have online access to their own records, there should not be any issues if you move. You will need to make sure you have a dependable connection and an ISP, but that's a necessity anyway!

Hi everyone! I have read this entire forum trying to figure out what school to attend to become a vet tech. I am signed up to go to Madison Tech this fall but it is an hour and half drive one way for me so I am considering San Juan. For those in the program, did you have any problems with your cvt or dvm keeping up with your course work/clinicals? Do they get annoyed? I have a family member that is a dvm but she also works in Madison, but again, it's a long drive. I have talked to Sherry Hair for a few minutes and she is super nice! Your help would be greatly appreciated!!

Stephanie0619,

SJC is a very good choice in an online program, and it is affordable compared to some others. As far as working with your preceptor, it should be understood that as a student you will have lots of questions. (Remember the adage about the only stupid question....) My opinion is that if they want a well-trained tech, then they need to do their part in the prospective tech's training. But enough about my opinion.

SJC's program requires 10 hours per week for the clinicals once you are in Tier 2 and above. Tier 1 does not require a preceptor, but if you can get any experience then that would be great.

You have a DVM in your family? That is an excellent resource! If it is at all possible to drive out on the weekend and get in a full day, or stay overnight with your family and do two half-days at her/his clinic, I'd say go for it. Once you get some hands-on experience, your DVM/family member can probably help you transition to a closer facility (they all know each other to some degree, after all).

P.S.: Sherry is awesome!

I am in the Penn Foster program and have no complaints thus far. You pick what class times will fit your schedule, the teachers are great, and I have never had a problem with student services. Everything is at your pace there. I am really happy with the choice I made. Also, Saint Petersburg College has an online program for those pursuing a BS if anyone needed that info :)

Hi everyone

I'm 24 years old and I'd like to become a vet technicist. Is it already too late at 24 years old?

(Where can I learn it in England? Sorry, if my English is not so good, but I learn English every day, 2 hours.) :)

I am about to be 26, but I know several much older. It's never too late to do what you want to with your life! Good luck!

I am a new pf student and up until now loved the program because I have yet to understand the program. I see that there are students on here who are in the program at the moment and I was wondering if I could ask them some questions. I know its a risk but if your willing to talk to me my personal email is BridgetWitherow@hotmail.com. A few questions are is this price 14,000 a semester or total. This log on to a forum 1 a week thing what do I need to do? read one? reply to one? I have just started the intro to vet tech and have no clue where to go from here. please help me

Im planning on starting college soon, a distance learning college. So far Im stuck between Animal Behavior college for the certificate or Penn Foster for an Associate Degree. I just want to make the best choice for my money and time.

keda251 in Westland, Michigan said: Im planning on starting college soon, a distance learning college. So far Im stuck between Animal Behavior college for the certificate or Penn Foster for an Associate Degree. I just want to make the best choice for my money and time.

First, ask yourself what it is that you want to gain from your education and the certificate/degree offered. Think long term and future. When it comes to your life and career, the "sacrifices" up front may save you a lot of trouble later. An Associate degree will be well worth your time and money, whereas a certificate may be more supplemental to a field if you're already in it. There are no guarantees either way, but if I were deciding btn a certificate and a degree program, I'd choose the degree program. But the choice is yours.